Course Abstract:

This course updates the nurse in the assessment of the following areas: 1. Lungs and Throrax 2. Cardiovascular 3. Mental Status, and 4. Neurolgical. Individual courses in these areas have been among our most often requested courses..

At the end of course, each participant will be able to:

1. Name and discuss at least 5 important anatomical landmarks of the respiratory system used for assessment purposes.
   
2. Name and discuss each of the individual steps involved in the process of palpation of the lungs and thorax.
   
3. Name and discuss each of the individual steps involved in the process of percussion of the lungs and thorax.
   
4. Name and discuss each of the individual steps involved in the process of auscultation of the lungs and thorax.
   
5. Obtain a score of 70% or better on an objective examination at the conclusion of the test.
   
6. In the clinical area, be better able to assess the lungs and thorax; and to chart assessment findings.
7. Name and discuss at least two reasons for performing the mental status examination
8. Name and discuss the five general observations used while performing a complete mental status examination.
9. Name and discuss five areas of the overall physical assessment which relate to the mental status assessment.
10. Name and discuss at least five parts of the mental status assessment.
11. Name and discuss five areas of intellectual function; describe each one in detail.
12. Name and describe at least one method of assessing each of the six areas of intellectual assessment.
13. Describe nursing implications of patients with disturbances in each of the six areas of intellectual functioning.
14. Discuss the parts of the general medical examination performed before beginning the neurological assessment of the patient.
15. Explain in detail at least four diagnostic tests relating directly to the nervous system.
16. Discuss the importance of the diagnostic tests and their results, in relation to the neurological assessment which each nurse will perform.
17. Discuss important neurological findings, both normal and abnormal, for each of the following conditions: brain tumors, C.V.A.’s, meningitis, subdural hematoma.
18. Discuss important medical findings and specific neurological findings relating to the neurological findings, both normal and abnormal, for the following: cardiac surgery patient, polyradiculitis, diabetic neuropathy.
19. Discuss at least five possible abnormal findings relating to the neurological examination for the infant with cerebral palsy.
20. Name and discuss the five areas of assessment as they pertain to recording the neurological assessment.
21. Name and discuss at least three items that would be significant of pathology in the patient history.
22. Name and discuss the two significant parts of the motor examination
23. Name and discuss the assessment of the cranial nerves, and the three main parts of the examination.
24. Name and discuss the three main considerations of the nursing care plan for the neurologically impaired patient.
25. Name and describe seven parts of the thorax mentioned in this text
26. Name and describe the two major parts of the gross muscular structure of the heart
27. Name and describe the four chambers of the heart as they relate to pumping action
28. Name and describe the four valves of the heart and their position in the heart
29. Perform with 85% accuracy on an objective examination covering all areas of text
30. Name and discuss the normal and abnormal findings of assessment of the bony thorax and gross findings of the heart and great blood vessels, including peripheral vascular disease, hypertension and the condition of shock.
31. Discuss the definition and importance of inspection of the CV system including the gross anatomical structures.

(to be evaluated by each nurse in their own clinical facility)

Because of this increase in the skill level of each participant, the nurse will be better able to care for all their patients; not just those with diseases of the respiratory tract.